How To Keep Mice Out Of Your Kitchen For Good
No one wants to see a mouse scurry across their kitchen floor. In fact, they’re probably some of the most feared pests, especially in a room with food. The problem being that mice are smart and persistent. If they find a food source, they won’t leave without a fight. The good news? There are ways to outsmart them. Here are some tips for keeping mice out that actually work.
Make Food Unreachable
Mice are always on the hunt for food and your kitchen is full of opportunities. Store dry goods like rice, pasta, and cereal in glass or metal containers with tight lids, since mice can easily chew through cardboard or thin plastic. Keep pet food in sealed bins, and don’t leave snacks or crumbs on the counter. Even small things, like leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight, can attract them. Take out the trash regularly and keep the bin closed. If food is hard to get, mice will move on to an easier target.
Eliminate Their Water Source
Food isn’t the only reason mice settle in your kitchen, they need water, too. A leaky faucet or a slow-draining sink is all it takes to keep them comfortable. Check under your sink for moisture buildup. Wipe up spills immediately, and don’t leave pet water bowls out overnight. If you use a dish drying rack, make sure it doesn’t stay wet for too long. By cutting off their access to water (along with food), you make your kitchen a less appealing place to live.
Seal Every Entry Point
Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime. That means even the tiniest gap in your walls, floors, or cabinets could be an open door. Start by inspecting areas where plumbing and wiring enter your kitchen. Gaps around pipes, vents, and baseboards are common entry points. Use steel wool to fill small holes since mice can’t chew through it. For larger gaps, use a combination of caulk and metal mesh. It’s tedious work, but if you don’t block their way in, they’ll keep coming no matter how clean your kitchen is.
Remove Hiding Spots
Mice love dark, cluttered spaces where they can build nests. Look around your kitchen for areas they might use as shelter. Piles of grocery bags, stacks of old newspapers, and cluttered cabinets create the perfect hiding spots. Organize your pantry and cabinets to keep everything neat. If you have drawers that don’t get used often, check inside them. Mice will make a home anywhere they feel safe. If they don’t have a place to hide, they won’t stick around.
Use Smells They Hate
Mice have a strong sense of smell, and certain scents will keep them away. Peppermint oil, cloves, and cayenne pepper are some examples of natural deterrents. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where you’ve seen signs of mice. Sprinkle cayenne in corners and behind appliances. Some people have success using vinegar or dryer sheets as well. These methods won’t solve an infestation, but they can help discourage new mice from moving in. Plus, they make your kitchen smell nice in the process.
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Keeping mice out of your kitchen isn’t just about setting traps and hoping for the best, you have to make your kitchen an unwelcoming place for them. If they can’t get in, can’t find food, and have nowhere to hide, they won’t stick around. Stay one step ahead and your kitchen will remain mouse-free.
Daniel Mitchell
